Obituaries

Joyce Willens Gibbons

Joyce (Willens) Gibbons was born in Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford to Leah Perry Willens and Morris J. Willens on October 22, 1933. She passed away on Monday, January 13, 2014. She graduated from Hall High School in 1951 and from Hartt College of Music in 1955. As a newlywed, she went cross country with her (then) husband William Gibbons while he performed in operas in Aspen and Central City, Colorado. She returned to school in 1960 to get her degree in Music Education at Hartt College, then received her Master's Degree in Guidance from the University of Hartford in 1968. She taught music in Vernon for 3 years and in Newington for 34 years, mostly at Ruth L. Chaffee School. She loved her students and always thought of them fondly. She loved crossword puzzles, reading books (especially Joseph Heller novels) and listening to jazz. Joyce loved gourmet meals as well and was a regular at the Corner House, Metro Bis, Edelweiss, Grants, West Street Grill, La Trattoria , Abigails and the Max chain of restaurants. She leaves to mourn her passing her adored daughter, Lisa Gibbons-Lappen and her dear son-in law Jeffrey Lappen . She also leaves many beloved cousins , dear friends and two special friends Maryellen Noonan and Pat DeFrancesco. She thanks for their kindness Dr. Beth Nelson , the hospice team from the McLean Home Care and Hospice and the staff at St. Francis Hospital. Joyce was predeceased by her parents and her dear cousins Judith Moses and Eunice Mark. Joyce was a life long member of Congregation Beth Israel. A Memorial service will be held at the Silberman Chapel at The Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT on Friday, January 17th at 11:30AM with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Weinstein Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations can be sent to Foodshare or the Social Justice Fund of the Congregation Beth Israel